Which factors determine the severity of an electrical shock?

• A. Magnitude of current
• B. Duration of current
• C. Path through the body
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The severity of an electrical shock is governed by three main factors: how much current actually flows through the body, how long that current flows, and the path the current takes through body tissues.

Current magnitude is the primary driver of damage— higher currents cause stronger electrical forces in tissues, leading to more severe burns, muscle contractions, nerve injury, and the potential to disrupt the heart’s rhythm. The duration matters because longer exposure allows more energy to be deposited into tissues, increasing heating, tissue damage, and the chance of dangerous effects like arrhythmias or prolonged pain. The path is critical because some routes pass through vital organs; a current traveling through the chest can affect the heart and lungs, while a path through a limb may cause burns without as much systemic danger.

All three together determine the overall risk and outcome of an electric shock.